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Hockey Hall of Famer Guy Lefleur, right, arrives at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. (Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)

The memorial mass booklet for Gordie Howe's funeral. The service heard how Howe was drawn to serve others, even when he was in his 80s and in failing health. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The ceremony, which lasted almost two hours, heard that Howe was moved when he heard that a watchman named Quinton at the Detroit Olympia lost his watch to a mugger.

“He said, ‘Don’t say a word.’ He took off his Detroit Red Wings’ watch and gave it to Quinton,” Murray Howe said.

The service heard how he was drawn to serve others, even when he was in his 80s and in failing health.

“He would open doors for everyone,” Murray Howe said. “He would sweep the neighbour’s driveway.

“He could not walk past a piece of trash without picking it up.”

His physical strength was also something awesome, the service heard.

“Who else could break open lobster claws with his fingers?” Murray Howe asked.

When asked what he wanted his son to say in his eulogy one day, Howe told Murray: “Finally, the end of the third period. I hope there’s a good hockey team in heaven.”

“Namaste,” Murray Howe said. “I humbly bow to you Dad, for your magnificent example for all of us. We will do our best to follow your lead until we meet again.”

The Rev. J.J. Mech, rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament joked in his homily: “I just hope he (Gordie) doesn’t elbow too many angels.”

Mech spoke of Howe as family and community-minded.

“While he was a great hockey player, he was an even better people person,” Mech said.

Mech rhetorically asked what was the purpose of Howe’s life, and then quoted a Howe grandchild, saying: “Serve! He (Gordie) loved to serve!”

Mech said this was reflected in how he was generous signing autographs, which Howe explained by saying: “It gives me more time with the people.”

Howe’s grandchildren were chosen to help out with funeral prayers.

Howe, known at “Mr. Hockey,” died Friday at age 88.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and his wife Janet Jones are among those in attendance at Howe's funeral. (Carlos Osorio)

Former Maple Leaf goalie great Johnny Bower attended the service on Wednesday, as did: two busloads of current and former Red Wings, including former linemate Ted Lindsay; Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr; former Leaf captain Darryl Sittler; New York Rangers general manager Glen Sather; former Leaf general manager Brian Burke; former Montreal Canadiens Guy Lafleur and Yvan Cournoyer.

“He was a real gentleman,” Lafleur said as he entered the church. “He was great. He was just unbelievable for hockey and what he did for the NHL.”

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Mike Illich, owner of the Detroit Red Wings and baseball Detroit Tigers, were also among the attendees, along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Prior to the funeral, Howe’s body had lain in repose at Joe Louis Arena, the home of the Detroit Red Wings. Howe played for Detroit during much of a Hall of Fame career that started in 1946 and ended in 1980.

The four Stanley Cup banners Howe won with Detroit in the early 1950s were displayed with his retired jersey banner while two screens ran slide shows of old photos.

Howe’s family has requested donations be made to the Gordie Howe Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative, the Howe Foundation or the Gordie Howe Fund for Alzheimer’s Research instead of flowers.

Howe set NHL marks with 801 goals and 1,850 points that held up until Gretzky came along.

Howe’s last visit to the Joe Louis Arena was March 28, when fans serenaded him by singing “Happy Birthday” just a few days before his March 31 birthday.

Howe’s wife, Colleen, died in 2009 from Pick’s disease, a neurological condition that causes dementia.

A recap of the funeral service

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Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Mike Illich, owner of the Detroit Red Wings and baseball Detroit Tigers, were also among the attendees, along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Prior to the funeral, Howe’s body had lain in repose at Joe Louis Arena, the home of the Detroit Red Wings. Howe played for Detroit during much of a Hall of Fame career that started in 1946 and ended in 1980.

The four Stanley Cup banners Howe won with Detroit in the early 1950s were displayed with his retired jersey banner while two screens ran slide shows of old photos.

Howe’s family has requested donations be made to the Gordie Howe Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative, the Howe Foundation or the Gordie Howe Fund for Alzheimer’s Research instead of flowers.

Howe set NHL marks with 801 goals and 1,850 points that held up until Gretzky came along.

Howe’s last visit to the Joe Louis Arena was March 28, when fans serenaded him by singing “Happy Birthday” just a few days before his March 31 birthday.

Howe’s wife, Colleen, died in 2009 from Pick’s disease, a neurological condition that causes dementia.

Gretzky tweeted that Howe was the greatest hockey player ever and the nicest man he ever met.

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